Emma Raducanu lifts lid on 'difficult' experience in England that has led to neck pain

has explained that it is "difficult" to go out in England while she also opened up on the aftermath of a terrifying stalker incident at her last tournament. A man who had previously turned up at her second-round match in Dubai last month.

He was swiftly ejected . The British No. 2 has now admitted that it is also tough to protect her privacy on home soil as she revealed she suffered from neck pain after taking measures to lay low.

Raducanu is back in action at the WTA 1000 in Indian Wells this week - her first tournament since a stalker was removed from the stands during her second-round match in Dubai one day after he approached her in what she

The world No. 55 played on and put up a worthy fight but lost the match and quickly jetted home for a much-needed breather.

"I landed back in London and had a week break, a week of nothing. It was nice," Raducanu told the after arriving in Indian Wells.

"I didn't practice, I read a lot. I finished two books and spent most of my time in Gail's and Waterstones."

While Raducanu enjoyed her week off, she admitted that her status as a high-profile tennis player also made things difficult at home.

The 2021 US Open champion continued: "In England it's pretty difficult for me to go out and about.

"Sometimes I've had neck pain from looking at the floor so much with a cap on.

"It comes with the territory. I'm grateful for all the positive support and love I get from my fans. You need to spin it into a positive because otherwise, if you look at it the other way, it could easily just get you down."

Since the incident in Dubai, Raducanu has had to become more "aware" and is now "chaperoned" wherever she goes. The world No. 55 also has security with her in Indian Wells this fortnight.

It's a stark reminder that female athletes are often left looking over their shoulders and questioning their welfare. But Raducanu feels safe and protected with the level of security at the tournament in California.

The British No. 2 will return to the court on Thursday. The winner will take on third seed Coco Gauff.